James William Ashley

James “Bill” William Ashley, 87, of Pleasant Plain, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Bill was born to Virgil and Sarah Ashley on February 13, 1939, in Eubank, Kentucky. As the eldest of nine children, Bill had a deep appreciation for family and relished any chance to laugh and spend time with his siblings.

Shortly after their marriage in 1960, Bill and his wife, Joycelene Sue Ashley (Hamilton), moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Though Bill enjoyed a long career as a dedicated machinist at Ohio Knife Company, he spent most of his free time working on and racing cars, a passion he proudly passed down to his beloved grandsons.

Bill will be remembered as an intensely loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who filled his retirement years with his favorite hobbies: working on go-karts, hunting down good deals, fishing, and spending time with his family. “Papa,” as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren, could always be counted on to show up for every family occasion.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sue Ashley; daughters Cynthia Fojtik and Donna Morton (Adam); grandchildren Amanda Bowsher (Jim), Joey Fojtik (Amanda), Tyler Fojtik (Sarah), Ryan Morton (Kirsten), and Sara Patterson (Curtis); and great-grandchildren Jackson Fojtik, Anderson Fojtik, Caroline Bowsher, Cameron Fojtik, Emma Morton, Brooke Fojtik, James Bowsher, Eli Fojtik, and Taylor Morton. Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brothers Robert, Leo, and Glenn, as well as his cherished dog Little Bit.

Bill’s legacy of love, loyalty, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 12:30–2:00 p.m. at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6410 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township, OH. Following the visitation, all are welcome to attend a graveside service at Deerfield Cemetery, 594 Shawhan Road, Morrow, OH.